The Music Network - 4pm Thursday 30th September 2010, Birmingham T.E.E, Millennium Point, Birmingham, B4 7XG. All Invited

The Next Music Network meeting will be in September 2010

The Music Network is open to all on Thursday 30th September 2010

The Meeting will be lead this month by Mark Badger from 4pm til 6pm at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG

The Music Network organises a NETWORKING EVENT on the last Thursday of each month, for the benefit of music related businesses in the West Midlands region. If you have any involvement in music, come and talk about what you’re up to and meet some new people. These Networking events are about all things music in the region. They’re about helping you to teach yourself how to do it, by yourself, for yourself and encourages you to share the knowledge with others so they can do the same.  If you are a musician, a student, someone who works with musicians, represents musicians, has involvement with the music industry, or are looking to make new contacts…..the meeting will be useful.

If you have news to report, a presentation to give, an event to promote, any new points for discussion, a pitch to make, business cards or flyers to hand round, an appeal for help, advice or guidance or even if you just want the free tea and biscuits and some serious discussion…you are invited.

You can also post in by email any news or gig dates or press release information for inclusion on the website and for distribution through the mailing list and RSS feed. More details on the website.

There will be luxury chocolate biscuits and good coffee for all. There’s food and drink afterwards supplied by the creative networks too. Please pass this invite on to Musicians you know or anyone else who you think may benefit.

http://birminghammusicnetwork.com Come and Join us.

About Mark Badger:

Mark runs Iron Man Records, based in Birmingham England. The record label has been running since 1996 and in 2000 he set up Birmingham Music Network which is also known as just The Music Network.

Mark has organised more than 1000 gigs in and around Birmingham since 1994 using many different identities but most of them used the name Badger Promotions until 2002.

Mark plays in a band called Last Under The Sun and another called Police Bastard. He works as a tour manager and driver helping bands out on the live circuit and when he finds time he writes and maintains several music related blogs. Mark has assembled simple online strategies for established bands, like the The Orb, and countless other new bands who have asked for help.

Mark has done some lecturing at Birmingham City University as part of their Music Business degree course, and bits and pieces for the Musicians Union, Birmingham City Council, Learning and Skills Council and Advantage West Midlands.

Mark also operates a shop on ebay selling all sorts of good alternative music on cd or vinyl.

The Music Network - 4pm Thursday 24th June 2010, Birmingham T.E.E, Millennium Point, Birmingham, B4 7XG. All Invited

The Music Network is open to all on Thursday 24th June 2010

The Meeting will be lead this month by Mark Badger from 4pm til 6pm at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG

The Music Network organises a NETWORKING EVENT on the last Thursday of each month, for the benefit of music related businesses in the West Midlands region. If you have any involvement in music, come and talk about what you’re up to and meet some new people. These Networking events are about all things music in the region. They’re about helping you to teach yourself how to do it, by yourself, for yourself and encourages you to share the knowledge with others so they can do the same.  If you are a musician, a student, someone who works with musicians, represents musicians, has involvement with the music industry, or are looking to make new contacts…..the meeting will be useful.

If you have news to report, a presentation to give, an event to promote, any new points for discussion, a pitch to make, business cards or flyers to hand round, an appeal for help, advice or guidance or even if you just want the free tea and biscuits and some serious discussion…you are invited.

You can also post in by email any news or gig dates or press release information for inclusion on the website and for distribution through the mailing list and RSS feed. More details on the website.

There will be luxury chocolate biscuits and good coffee for all. There’s food and drink afterwards supplied by the creative networks too. Please pass this invite on to Musicians you know or anyone else who you think may benefit.

http://birminghammusicnetwork.com Come and Join us.

About Mark Badger:

Mark runs Iron Man Records, based in Birmingham England. The record label has been running since 1996 and in 2000 he set up Birmingham Music Network which is also known as just The Music Network.

Mark has organised more than 1000 gigs in and around Birmingham since 1994 using many different identities but most of them used the name Badger Promotions until 2002.

Mark plays in a band called Last Under The Sun and another called Police Bastard. He works as a tour manager and driver helping bands out on the live circuit and when he finds time he writes and maintains several music related blogs. Mark has assembled simple online strategies for established bands, like the The Orb, and countless other new bands who have asked for help.

Mark has done some lecturing at Birmingham City University as part of their Music Business degree course, and bits and pieces for the Musicians Union, Birmingham City Council, Learning and Skills Council and Advantage West Midlands.

Mark also operates a shop on ebay selling all sorts of good alternative music on cd or vinyl.

The Music Network - 4pm Thursday 27th May 2010, Birmingham T.E.E, Millennium Point, Birmingham, B4 7XG. All Invited

The Music Network is open to all on Thursday 27th May 2010 4pm til 6pm at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG. The Meeting will be lead this month by Mark Badger

The Music Network organises a NETWORKING EVENT on the last Thursday of each month, for the benefit of music related businesses in the West Midlands region. If you have any involvement in music, come and talk about what you’re up to and meet some new people.These Networking events are about all things music in the region. They’re about helping you to teach yourself how to do it, by yourself, for yourself and encourages you to share the knowledge with others so they can do the same.  If you are a musician, a student, someone who works with musicians, represents musicians, has involvement with the music industry, or are looking to make new contacts…..the meeting will be useful.

If you have news to report, a presentation to give, an event to promote, any new points for discussion, a pitch to make, business cards or flyers to hand round, an appeal for help, advice or guidance or even if you just want the free tea and biscuits and some serious discussion…you are invited.

You can also post in by email any news or gig dates or press release information for inclusion on the website and for distribution through the mailing list and RSS feed. More details on the website.

There will be luxury chocolate biscuits and good coffee for all. There’s food and drink afterwards supplied by the creative networks too. Please pass this invite on to Musicians you know or anyone else who you think may benefit.

http://birminghammusicnetwork.com Come and Join us.

About Mark Badger:

Mark runs Iron Man Records, based in Birmingham England. The record label has been running since 1996 and in 2000 he set up Birmingham Music Network which is also known as just The Music Network.

Mark has organised more than 1000 gigs in and around Birmingham since 1994 using many different identities but most of them used the name Badger Promotions until 2002.

Mark plays in a band called Last Under The Sun and another called Police Bastard. He works as a tour manager and driver helping bands out on the live circuit and when he finds time he writes and maintains several music related blogs. Mark has assembled simple online strategies for established bands, like the The Orb, and countless other new bands who have asked for help.

Mark has done some lecturing at Birmingham City University as part of their Music Business degree course, and bits and pieces for the Musicians Union, Birmingham City Council, Learning and Skills Council and Advantage West Midlands.

Mark also operates a shop on ebay selling all sorts of good alternative music on cd or vinyl.

Midlands Calling?…the new opps and apps for audio broadcast
Speaker – Robin Valk           www.radiotogo.co.uk

Robin Valk is a broadcast and software consultant whose career started in the 60s at the very first Student radio station in the UK. In the 70s he worked in US Rock Radio before becoming the first DJ hired at BRMB, and in the 90s at BBC Radio 2 at Pebble Mill.

When not consulting in the UK and Europe, teaching, podcasting or blogging, Robin works on radio and music projects. He is currently working on a documentary project about the music and musicians of Handsworth, Birmingham, as well as leading a pilot project for the British Library. He is one of the most experienced Selector music programming software operators in Europe and has a ten year association with RCS New York as help author for their flagship products.

A Panel Discussion will follow Robin’s keynote presentation. We’ll be looking at the status of Radio today, where the talent that’s needed is to be found and how the digital age affects production yet offers new opportunities. We’ll examine the expanded horizons for audio broadcast platforms and how to capitalise on the perfect synergy of local music with local radio.

To join us for this FREE event, please call Dave Taylor on 0121 331 5400. Alternatively, register online at www.creativenetworksonline.com

April 2010 Music Network Meeting Minutes

The Music Network Meeting Minutes 29th April 2010

Chaired by Mark Badger

Introductions:

Mark Badger (Iron Man Records / The Music Network), Keisha Thompson (M.M.I), Simon Howes (Sound Engineer), Hannah Smith (IAMRUBY Singer Songwriter), Darren Roberts (University of Birmingham), Kieran Williams (ATM), Gary Seeney (Birmingham Yamaha School of Music / Melting Ice Artist Management), Marc Malone (ATM Malone Productions), Richard Mitton (Mitton Audio Live Engineer / producer), Michael Wood(Songwriter performer Composer), Jenny Tate (Violet Sky Management Ltd), Andy Roberts (Blue Whale Studios), Sebastion Tulinski (Decibel Studio), Steve Beddington (Gotseen.com), Kieran Graham (Gotseen.com), Clare Edwards (Soweto Kinch productions), Nicola Toms OxjamBrum, Rose Brown Upbeat PR, Mark Winters (BCC / Songwriter / Performer), Adrian Kimberlin (Exit Recording), Saurabh Thomas (BCI Student), Alice Martinez (Academy of Gospel Music),Itehl Campbell (Accuprint / Promo), Thomas Richardson, GuillameRousere, Spence Cater (Focuspoint photography.co.uk), Ed King (edkingfreelance@yahoo.co.uk)

apologies: Dusky Edwards, Anthony Hughes, Andy Derrick,

Steve Beddington:
Gotseen.com
Music Website, similar to myspace, artist’s do what they like
Gotseen.com offers live streaming of gigs across the net.
At The moment they have permission to use the 02Academy
Recent good reviews in Music Week and Guardian
6 months old so far.
Contact: steve at gotseen.com

Jenny Tate
Launching “Hope Order Truth” - Americana style rock at custard factory
21st 22nd may gig will be under the arches
www.myspace.com/hopeordertruth
info at violet-sky.com

Rhubard Radio:

Bands are invited to sumbit their music on cd or mp3 for airplay

Saturday 1-3 rock show
www.rhubarbradio.com
saturdayrocks at rhubarbradio.com

Michael:
A songwriter, interested in working to promote a christmas song
Looking for a music producer and someone who knows what to do with a christmas song
suggestions: Barry Tomes? Gotham Records?
discussion followed.

Rich:
A sound engineer, interested in looking for work providing technical support
he can offer production management, front of house engineer, looking for work
www.mittonaudio.wordpress.com
Sound engineer for hire plus all forms of production and technical support.

Darren:
Doing a phd at Birmingham university. He wants to talk to people as part of his research, looking to talk to people in the music industry in attempt to get an idea of what happens in the growth and development of entities in the music industry. He is looking at power relations within the industry.
dxr827@bham.ac.uk
07727689806
please get in touch if you want to participate.

Kieran:
Currently working with ITV fixers and looking to get his music into tv like bbc
looking for event opportunities
www.myspace.com/kvibe1
07973998661

Keisha Thompson:
Here on behalf of a friend organising shows on the 2nd and 4th week of month at the yardbird
if you are an artist or musician and want to play at Yardbird
if you want to play jazz blues reggae or soul or acoustic:
Call: 07776 480734

Clare Edwards:
The Flyover Show
working with Soweto Kinch
www.soweto-kinch.com

Miss Dynamite will be playing and exclusively performing new single for first time at the event.
29th May 2010 Saturday
its all freeif anyone wants to volunteer get in touch with clare edwards.
clareedwards at mac.com 07973694913
www.theflyovershow.comEd King:
First year he has worked on the Flyover Show. Concept of the event is using parts of the city that dont usually get used for music.

Nicola:
Oxjam Birmingham wants to put out request for help.
Oxjam is run by volunteers with other full time jobs
Oxjam are trying to recruit a team of volunteers, marketing coordinator, production coordinator, fundraining coordinator details on website www.oxjambrum.org.uk
deadline to apply is 9th May. Job starts early june
also recruiting for one other position:
smaller music event organisers in the region wanted for an idea to put on more events in October which is oxjam month. Oxjam Month is a music month that runs up and down the country.

email: oxjam.birmingham@gmail.com If bands want to get involved by all means send in an email

Rose:
Student from BCU
Rose said that one of the researchers at BCU came up with an idea of a Birmingham Music Month and tried to organise it last year but the project didnt work and was deemed a failure. BCU has suggested birmingham music month should be run as a student project this year and the students are keen to do it properly this time and make it work. The whole idea of a Birmingham Music Month is being relaunched and May is now the Music Month. Rose asked that anyone who wants to get involved in BirminghamMusic Month should get in touch, in particular anyone organising an event in the month of May. Currently the only event organised under Birmingham Music Month is an all day event at the Rainbow May 6th from 2pm
www.brummusicmonth.co.uk
May is now brum music month
the charity to benefit from bum music month will be sound it out. It would be great if people can come to the event or if people want to get involved email: roseybrown@live.com

Mark Winters
New library of Birmingham is starting to be put together, in 2013 it will be a brand new building, possibly to include a recording or rehearsal studios, maybe looking at partnerships to help plan rooms or ideas for the new library
mark.winters@birmingham.gov.uk

Hannah:
Singer Songwriter in pop rock genre
IAMRUBY is her artist name
She has cowritten many of the songs and she wants to get these songs out to other producers also interested in opportunities to play and perfom from september onwards, interested in collaborations.
she will be doing national schools tour backed by global radio and idea is that in certain areas they will be media partners
Iamruby@hotmail.co.uk

on facebook IAMRUBY

www.iamruby.co.uk

Tom:
in a band called Thomas Richardson Blues Band. His band have started opening up for band called after hours
band play originals to covers, play a lot of blues music. Tom is also a sound engineer from yardbird, used to work at venues, foh, thomas.blrichardson at gmail.com

Tom asked about places to play and suggestions made included: tower of song, southern blues collective,

Kevin

from south birmingham college
Kevin is head of Music at South Birmingham Community Radio
He is getting ready for next broadcast and on internet
Kevin wants bands and labels to get in touch: send in cds or mp3
www.southbirminghamcommunityradio.co.uk
sbcradio at gmail.com
put: “attention head of music” in subject of any emails

Lee
Ditto music
Ditto distribute about 12,000 artists and help people set up record labels etc
lee@dittomusic.com
0121 551 6624
also offer digital pr

Alice:
Works at Academy of Gospel Music just opened in hockley
Its a christian type organisation
Currently looking for opportunities
she is a manager of amazing artist called: www.myspace.com/afropunkno1
live sound engineer and also studio engineer
martinez@niktame.re
studio based in hockley part of academny of gosel music

Andy from Blue Whale Studios
does a show on Rhubarb Radio, get in touch with cds or mp3 for airplay

Simon Howes

Birmingham Social Media Cafe
for anyone interested in social media
10am at the coffee lounge navigation street downstairs
www.birminghamsmc.com

The Music Network - 4pm Thursday 29th April 2010, Birmingham T.E.E, Millennium Point, Birmingham, B4 7XG. All Invited

The Music Network is open to all on Thursday 29th April 2010 4pm til 6pm at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG. The Meeting will be lead this month by Mark Badger

The Music Network organises a NETWORKING EVENT on the last Thursday of each month, for the benefit of music related businesses in the West Midlands region. If you have any involvement in music, come and talk about what you’re up to and meet some new people.These Networking events are about all things music in the region. They’re about helping you to teach yourself how to do it, by yourself, for yourself and encourages you to share the knowledge with others so they can do the same.  If you are a musician, a student, someone who works with musicians, represents musicians, has involvement with the music industry, or are looking to make new contacts…..the meeting will be useful.

If you have news to report, a presentation to give, an event to promote, any new points for discussion, a pitch to make, business cards or flyers to hand round, an appeal for help, advice or guidance or even if you just want the free tea and biscuits and some serious discussion…you are invited.

You can also post in by email any news or gig dates or press release information for inclusion on the website and for distribution through the mailing list and RSS feed. More details on the website.

There will be luxury chocolate biscuits and good coffee for all. There’s food and drink afterwards supplied by the creative networks too. Please pass this invite on to Musicians you know or anyone else who you think may benefit.

http://birminghammusicnetwork.com Come and Join us.

About Mark Badger:

Mark runs Iron Man Records, based in Birmingham England. The record label has been running since 1996 and in 2000 he set up Birmingham Music Network which is also known as just The Music Network.

Mark has organised more than 1000 gigs in and around Birmingham since 1994 using many different identities but most of them used the name Badger Promotions until 2002.

Mark plays in a band called Last Under The Sun and another called Police Bastard. He works as a tour manager and driver helping bands out on the live circuit and when he finds time he writes and maintains several music related blogs. Mark has assembled simple online strategies for established bands, like the The Orb, and countless other new bands who have asked for help.

Mark has done some lecturing at Birmingham City University as part of their Music Business degree course, and bits and pieces for the Musicians Union, Birmingham City Council, Learning and Skills Council and Advantage West Midlands.

Mark also operates a shop on ebay selling all sorts of good alternative music on cd or vinyl.

March 2010 Music Network Meeting Minutes

The Music Network Meeting Minutes 25th March 2010

Chaired by Andy Derrick

Simon Howes - self employed sound engineer in tv and film

Andy Ward - Musoplex, video, cd and live and merchandise

Katie Southall - WCR - DJ playing music to unsigned bands and musicians regardless of genre - send stuff to katy@wcrfm.com - Facebook - search for ‘katyjay’. Also a what’s on guide is being setup - contact Katie for more info about when and who. Business Development Consultant - making radio stations sustainable with a mixture of private and public funding.

Andy Roberts - Blue Whale @ Custard Factory and writes for The Fly magazine. Blog and a show on Rhubarb Radio. www.rhubarbradio.com - a mix of cutting touring acts playing in Birmingham plus artists from Blue Whale.  Podcast on Speech Fewapy network - 1500 subscribers it’s a feed of different podcasts from around the world.  Promoting gigs at The Rainbow.  Also running Intro to Logic and FInal Cut courses. andrew-roberts at hotmail.co.uk

Alex - BCU Architect Student looking at pathways beyond degree.  Just here to absorb and be inspired. Interested in voluntereering talk2alex@gmail.com @alex_john

Rich - here out of curiosity - guitarist - interested in using media to promote music here and beyond - Post Grad at Aston Business School, former President of Birmingham Uni Students’ Union and promoted many nights. - rj.walker87 at gmail.com

Vince and Colin from Musical Excahnges - Sunday 18th April The Bridge FM 102.2 FM - 2-4pm. Also issuing invites for test pilots for the web site.  Give email for an invite. enquiries at musicialexchanges.com
Also played Newcastle Guitar Show - record signups.  New collaborative diary service.  MX Recruit - musicians and tech recruitment section launching this weekend.

Spence - songwriter and looking for other songwriters with which to collaborate - ones with studios a bonus.  Also a photographer for live music and studio based.  http://www.myspace.com/themackenziefriend
Also a tutor a Access To Music. ATM band playing at the O2 - 3 Joyous performing tonight.

Sam - ATM student - sing semi pro doing a vocal course - also singing teaching - into singer/songwriter.  Looking to collaborate with other artists. myspace.com/samstarrmusic

Sarah - singer, songwriter and pianist at ATM.  Also a tutor at Yamaha Music School.

Jay - form Hinckley - freelance audio engineer - starting a new shared creative studio, space - shared resource centre - large footprint building 4 - 6,000 sq ft. spaces.  secretlabproductions at hotmail.com

Adrian - Exit Recording - songwriter and producer working with a variety of artists. New website www.adriankimberlin.com - Also looking for contacts experienced in placing dance tracks.

Anthony - musician, co-founder of BMN, video production company with proven track record of videos for musicians

Jenny - pa to Dusky Violet Sky Management -  getting exposure for bands. - present Saturday Rocks on Rhubarb Radio - info at violet-sky.com jennytaterocks at gmail.com saturdayrocks at rhubarbradio.com -

Dusky Edwards - Violet Sky Management - artist management, managing talent generally.  Keen on fairly managing and developing talent.  www.violet-sky.com - happy for new talent to get in touch. myspace.com/hopeorthetruth - HOT are a band managed Violet Sky - rock with an electric undertone - American Rock

Keisha Thomson - Action for Haiti - feedback - event really well, 500 people, £3000 raised.  Keisha performed her own track Who Loved Themselves - reggae jazz vibe - looking to develop it as a charity single - @keisha_thompson - twitter

Mark Malone - ATM student - songwriter/musician - released on soundclick - amateur internet store website - good ratings - broad genre - rock/acoustic/folk/indie - also working with Crisis Homeless Charity - looking for vocalists (gravelly preferred). - maloneproductions at live.co.uk - available for session guitar/bass/producer/song writer.

February 2010 Music Network Meeting Minutes

The Music Network Meeting Minutes 25th February 2010

Chaired by Andy Derrick

Andy Roberts - Blue whale studios based at the Custard Factory in Digbeth - looking to connect with potential customers - they offer live location recording, filming plus lots more - blog: http://bluewhalestudios.wordpress.com - also running training courses in music production, final cut, logic etc.

Vince - MX - guitar tech - update on MX
Colin - MX -

Keisha Thompson - singer, songwriter and poet - looking to network with other musicians.

Abi Seabrook - freelance singer and community musician

Katie Southall - Wolverhampton Community Radio (WCR) - community development role - only community station in Wolvo - 280,000 listeners 20-55 age group - volunteer dj’s production training plus courses - http://wcrfm.com

Andy Ward - Musoplex - company of creative enterprise in Oldbury - Framework recording studio, video production and editing, live sound, sound stage, green screen and rehearsal rooms

Tom - local assistant - recently did the sound for amateur film ‘Killing Me Softly’ - student at BCU music technology - electric blues player also

Adrian Kimberline - Exit recording - songwriter and producer - always looking for interesting collaborations.

Paul Linton / Mark Horton - Punch taverns - looking to recruit a partner for a large pub/music venue in the Black Country

Nicola - Oxjam festival - interested in bands, engineers and others in Oct 2010 - 16th April The Victoria, raise money and awareness  - showcasing four acts with female lead -

Caroline Bevan - ex-Kerrang journalist now working as an independent blogger/journo, run the blog for Wolvo Civic Hall

Darren - Birmingham Uni - research in music

Simon Howes - professional live and studio sound engineer with experience in live music and TV.

Gary Seeney - Yamaha music school and melting ice

Robert Lane - singer songwriter - recorded and self released an EP - interested in festivals
www.robertlanemusic.blogspot.com

Minutes

Keisha Action for Haiti - 7/3/10 - charity event for survivors of Haiti earthquake @actionforhaiti - twitter evening gig and afternoon education session. £5 ticket

Andy Ward - looking for publishers interested in licensing a band Discotheque Wreck

Tom - The Camp - open mic night - Thursday nights £9 - Free - Pershore Road - Stirchley - jam/open mic night - looking to expand the night for a broader night - sound assistant looking for work - hard worker - looking for gigs for a blues band (A Boy Named Sue - gigging already in Aylesbury). Teched The Old FOlkers - worth a look - very
entertaining

Paul and Mark - publicans - Punch Taverns - A site in Kidderminster - think it could become a live music venue (with outdoor license and covered area).  Hosting an open day 10th March and have a look. Looking for a pub manager to rent it - no criminal record!, investment required, no experience required - but pub knowledge obviously a bonus.

Nicola - Oxjam - looking for a female compere. Also looking for people interested in putting on smaller satellite Oxjam events.

Caroline - carolinebevan.com - former presenter and newsreader at Kerrang - interested in opportunities in music journalism online/video suggestions: Katie FItzgeralds, City TV, Balcony TV. ELT Records launching a music show in the midlands. Also offers media training for musicians.

Musical Exchanges - week 53 - live! - musicalexchanges.com - 3 parts - networking - 1-facebook-esque  2-auction site like ebay but without traders 3-recuitment(find a muso, crew, arrangers, art work etc.). New: coming soon a diary system.

Carlo - Birmingham Promoters - signed touring bands and local groups

Gary Seeney - Birmingham Yamaha Music School - 350 students - lots of activity for Childline - Beatles Tribute band - gary at byms.co.uk New course - Yamaha - junior play for keys Key stage 1

The Music Network - 4pm Thursday 25th March 2010, Birmingham T.E.E, Millennium Point. All Invited

The Music Network is open to all on Thursday 25th March 2010 4pm til 6pm at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG. The Meeting will be lead this month by Andy Derrick

The Music Network organises a NETWORKING EVENT on the last Thursday of each month, for the benefit of music related businesses in the West Midlands region. If you have any involvement in music, come and talk about what you’re up to and meet some new people.These Networking events are about all things music in the region. They’re about helping you to teach yourself how to do it, by yourself, for yourself and encourages you to share the knowledge with others so they can do the same.  If you are a musician, work with musicians, represent musicians, have involvement with the music industry, or are looking to make new contacts the meeting will be useful.

If you have news to report, a presentation to give, an event to promote, any new points for discussion, a pitch to make, business cards or flyers to hand round, an appeal for help, advice or guidance or even if you just want the free tea and biscuits and some quality entertainment…you are invited.

You can also post in by email any news or gig dates or press release information for inclusion on the website and for distribution through the mailing list and RSS feed. More details on the website.

There will be luxury chocolate biscuits and good coffee for all. There’s food and drink afterwards supplied by the creative networks too. Please pass this invite on to Musicians you know or anyone else who you think may benefit.

http://birminghammusicnetwork.com Come and Join us.

Andy Derrick is an independent freelance musician based in Birmingham, UK.  Andy used to work for the Musicians’ Union delivering front line services and advice to musicians of all genres, experience and backgrounds.

Andy’s main work is as a trombonist in many groups playing Jazz, big band, classical and other kinds of music.  He has also worked in studios as a session musician providing horn tracks for writers and composers.

Since 1992 Andy has written and arranged music and he currently has works published by Warwick Music and Andek Music.

Teaching jazz, trombone and music theory is also a passion that sees Andy working with pupils of all ages and standards across the Midlands.

Feedback on 10 Questions for Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry

Here is some feedback on your answers to “10 Questions for Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry” from Sue at Birmingham City Council.

Sue says: Councillor Ernie Hendricks and James Burkmar have asked me to forward the email below on their behalf.

Dear Colleague

In the interests of staying in touch with you all.

Following on from our event last month at the Orange Studios (and thanks again to all those who attended), we are completing a number of short interviews with people to finish this stage of the consultation.

A clear picture is emerging of strengths, specialism, opportunities and needs across the city.

On Monday 22nd February, we held a similar event to the one with the stakeholders. We won’t go into it now, but the attendance from Birmingham City Council, Advantage West Midlands, UKTI, Business Link and others was excellent. The session was forward-looking, open and honest.

What we would like you to know is that the ideas and thoughts you expressed proved to be a powerful critical stimulus for their thinking - attendees found the session useful and were candid about how their thinking had been informed, with some saying openly their view of the sector had changed as a result. The value of dialogue perhaps…

In essence, the sector came across as positive in the extreme, ambitious, innovative, entrepreneurial and balancing a strong artistic and commercial focus.

What happens now?

It will take about a month to complete a short and hopefully punchy report which will make recommendations for action and development.  You will be provided with copies.

We are sure you’re aware, but both Birmingham Music Network and Capsule are running surveys/blogs related to this area of interest - please contribute to the discussion if you feel able.

Regards
James Burkmar and Councillor Ernie Hendricks
Planning, Evaluation, Facilitation - Joining things up for the Creative Sector
(James 07736 709350)

The Music Network - 4pm Thursday 25th February 2010, Birmingham T.E.E, Millennium Point. All Invited

The Music Network is open to all on Thursday 25th February 2010 4pm til 6pm at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG. The Meeting will be lead this month by Andy Derrick

The Music Network organises a NETWORKING EVENT on the last Thursday of each month, for the benefit of music related businesses in the West Midlands region. If you have any involvement in music, come and talk about what you’re up to and meet some new people.These Networking events are about all things music in the region. They’re about helping you to teach yourself how to do it, by yourself, for yourself and encourages you to share the knowledge with others so they can do the same.  If you are a musician, work with musicians, represent musicians, have involvement with the music industry, or are looking to make new contacts the meeting will be useful.

If you have news to report, a presentation to give, an event to promote, any new points for discussion, a pitch to make, business cards or flyers to hand round, an appeal for help, advice or guidance or even if you just want the free tea and biscuits and some quality entertainment…you are invited.

You can also post in by email any news or gig dates or press release information for inclusion on the website and for distribution through the mailing list and RSS feed. More details on the website.

There will be luxury chocolate biscuits and good coffee for all. There’s food and drink afterwards supplied by the creative networks too. Please pass this invite on to Musicians you know or anyone else who you think may benefit.

http://birminghammusicnetwork.com Come and Join us.

Andy Derrick is an independent freelance musician based in Birmingham, UK.  Andy used to work for the Musicians’ Union delivering front line services and advice to musicians of all genres, experience and backgrounds.

Andy’s main work is as a trombonist in many groups playing Jazz, big band, classical and other kinds of music.  He has also worked in studios as a session musician providing horn tracks for writers and composers.

Since 1992 Andy has written and arranged music and he currently has works published by Warwick Music and Andek Music.

Teaching jazz, trombone and music theory is also a passion that sees Andy working with pupils of all ages and standards across the Midlands.

In 2004 Gerd Leonhard, Music Futurist, www.musicfuturist.com wrote a piece called “Music Like Water – the inevitable music ecosystem” you can read it here

In 2007 Andrew Dubber wrote about Music Like Water again here

In 2010 Music Like Water appeared here

and Andy’s Derrick’s latest 2010 blog post is called “Water isn’t like Music” you can read it here

your comments and opinions invited

January 2010 Music Network Meeting Minutes

The Music Network Meeting Minutes 28th January 2010

Introductions:

Simon Howes, Robert Edwards, Saurabh Thomas, Gwen King, Jamiee Hewitt,  Dan May-Miller, Jack Kennerly, Simon Evison, Vince O’Malley, Karl  Tippin, Kevin, Tom Prottey, Jack Perry, Aidan Laverty, Darren Roberts, Rob Heaton, Tom, Clare Edwards, Joe Blanks, Doug Blanks, Colin Tippin, Marcus Dellicompagni, Scott Sheppard, Phil Mountford.

Apologies: Mark Sampson, Andy derrick, Anthony Hughes.

New Points:

Karl from Musical Exchanges talked about www.musicalexchanges.com – which has now gone live! This brand new website is social networking site, diary and recruitment site designed for anyone working in the music industry.

Marcus Dellicompagni – Doing a PHD and researching the power relationships in music industry of Birmingham has started by looking at Urban music concentrating on Lozells but now wants to widen the scope to other genres and areas.

Robert Edwards – working in own TV studio making a range of shows from games shows and children’s tv. Interested in finding musicians who can produce theme tunes, perform on the station and help the children presenters develop their own band! To find out more go to www.lovemedialtd.co.uk or contact email: Robert at lovemedia.co.uk

Tom – Jam night from the Roadhouse looking for a new venue as they’ve had to move on from the Roadhouse. Looking for a venue with some backline equipment already – the night attracts about 20 performers and had a good momentum. And is usually a Thursday. If someone knows a venue contact Tom Richardson 07956 368998

Tom – interested in starting offering his services paid and free apprentice work doing almost anything in the music industry. 07956 368998

World Unlimited, Folk night at the Hare and Hounds – Yeah Sparrow performs on 31st January. Also playing are the Kings of Spain and Alex Moir and its £3 in! Also he is playing for Silent Filter Promotions gig at the Wagon Horses in Digbeth and they are trying to set some new nights there supporting local bands. http://www.myspace.com/yeahsparrow and http://www.myspace.com/silentfilter

Simon Howes – Social Media Café is tomorrow (Friday 29th Jan) at 10am at Coffee Lounge and every last Friday of the month – a good way to meet other social media types in the city and get ideas and ask questions http://www.birminghamsmc.com/

Rob Heaton from Wolverhampton – looking to start up a business offering music production, on location recording, audio editing and mixing. Contact Rob on 07858 520318

Gwen King – is looking for someone to write theme music for her TV show and other musicians who can compose good songs email: gwen at gwenking.co.uk

Clare Edwards – updated everyone on Music Central which is a new project probably starting in April 2010 which will be designed to support music industry companies and individuals eg, managers, labels, promoters etc through a programme of mentoring, seminars, networking and a conference. Go to clareedwards@mac.com after April for more details.

Stafford based studio and staff currently mostly taken up by one band – ‘The Tunics’ – no website but you can get a message to them via www.joeblanks.com

Jack Perry - The Razorbax have just made their first record. Go to www.therazorbax.co.uk for more details. Dave Midson has mastered it – they are now looking for contacts for distribution, promotion and getting gigs.

Next meeting Thursday 25th February 2010 4pm – 6pm. Special thanks to Clare Edwards for leading the January meeting and at short notice. If anyone else wants to lead a Music Network meeting get in touch, you know it has to be a good thing to do for local music.

10 Questions for Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry answered by Ben Calvert

1. In your view, what is the current state of the region’s “Independent Music Industry?”

There are a small percentage of clued up people, building local, national and international networks, in order to create and market music in the face of adversity.

2. What do you think are it’s immediate needs with reference to the areas that you are most familiar with?

To create sustainable, (ie NOT an acoustic night every night of the week in every pub), live music events where the acts, promoters, and venues all benefit equally in terms of financial remuneration, (pay), and where new audiences are developed.

3. As far as the region’s “Independent Music Industry” is concerned, what do you think shows the greatest potential for the next few years?

Strong, trusting networks that work via the “You scratch my back and I’ll scratch your’s” theory.

4. In recent years, there has been a range of initiatives and projects designed to support the development of music in Birmingham. Can you list 5 projects or initiatives that you think have proved beneficial to the “Independent Music Industry?”

Creative Pathways showed some potential. As someone who helped run a course under it’s umbrella, I might be biased! However, I’ve recently met people who went on the course, and they have developed as working musicians as a result of it, benefiting from modules on Self-Promotion using New Media, and Recording Techniques.

5. Can you list any projects or initiatives that you think have proved “of little use or benefit” to the “Independent Music Industry?”

Gigbeth - At the first one, at the opening ceremony, there were more people in the form of the band, the staff and security than there were in the audience. Many of the stewards were from London, so they had no local knowledge to help people get from one stage to another etc.

ArtsFest - There’s always a huge song and dance about how it’s Britain’s biggest festival. Is biggest best? There is a patronizing assumption that from the start of the booking procedure that acts will play for free, (payment or non-payment is never mentioned at all). If the event is meant to be for the benefit of artists, then how about sending out well-designed, well-branded press pack to relevant industry people?

The publicity for ArtsFest is shocking-The website held info for the 2008 event until a WEEK before the 2009 event. And the design elements-They use Clip Art!!!!! For the biggest festival in the UK…

6. With regard to your answers to questions 4 and 5, do you think Birmingham should continue to pursue the idea of more initiatives and projects designed to support the development of music in Birmingham?

Yes, definitely. But Birmingham City Council should identify and consult music event organisers to run the events who have proven experience in booking artists, designing and distribution of publicity, dealing with venues and everything that goes with running events.  Or at least, they should work in conjunction with them, employing them as well-paid consultants.

7. If you could make any changes to, or include any new ideas for, any “strategy for supporting the development of music in Birmingham” what would your top priorities be?

With regards to festivals like ArtsFest, my suggestion would be:

Contact The Drum, Capsule, Bohemian Jukebox, The Other Woman’s Club, Moseley Folk Festival, leftfoot, Birmingham Promoters and Seven Inch Cinema, and identify some others. Give each a budget to run a stage. Between them they have the experience and know-how to make it work.

8. If you were given the task of evaluating whether a project or initiative had been successful, what would you suggest as the best indicators of success, failure, benefit or disaster for the “Independent Music Industry?”

Did the project improve the long-term earning capability of the artists involved?
Were audiences introduced to art that they would not have usually encountered?
Did people walk away with enriched souls?
Was art of a high standard created?

9. As far as your knowledge or understanding of the region’s “Independent Music Industry” is concerned, what are it’s greatest strengths, and what are it’s greatest weaknesses?

The strengths are that there are some truly amazing bands. The weakness is that the bands are often self-deprecating (A Birmingham ‘tradition’), dis-organised and unable to understand the theory of supply and demand for their music.

10. If you could do anything to “support the development of music in Birmingham” what would you do and why would you choose to do that?

I ran 180 live Post-folk, Anti-Folk, and Alt-Folk music events between October 2003 and January 2010. (Bohemian Jukebox). I thought that might be enough to support the development of a certain type of music in Birmingham, and it was for a while.

I chose to do that because there was a need for well-organised music events for acts playing those genres.

I’m now concentrating on Bohemian Jukebox Recordings to bring some of Birmingham’s music talents to an international audience. I’ve chosen to do that, as I’d now rather concentrate on developing a few acts of quality via the power of recorded media, rather than dealing with lots of acts in the context of live music events.

Ben Calvert

The Music Network was contacted in January 2010 by a group drawn from Birmingham City Council and the Arts Council England to begin to determine an overview of the current state, needs and potential of the “Independent Music Industry” in Birmingham.

The Music Network invites people with an interest or active role within Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry to answer 10 questions.

If you wish to get involved read 10 Questions for Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry and send your completed responses by email to: info at birminghammusicnetwork.com - Thank You.

Simon Howes has created an easy to use google survey for these questions here too.

All completed questions will be published here unless you state otherwise. Please be sure to include your full Name, brief biography or information about who you are and what you do, and any links to your website or blog so you can be credited in full as the author of the response. Views from all sides are sought so don’t be afraid to speak your mind. We may learn something.

10 Questions for Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry answered by Andy Roberts

1. In your view, what is the current state of the region’s “Independent Music Industry?”

Great pool of talent with extremely creative people working very hard to make amazing music and projects with little recognition from outside of their small pockets.

2. What do you think are it’s immediate needs with reference to the areas that you are most familiar with?

Record labels that have competent distribution and marketing / advertising / plugging support.

3. As far as the region’s “Independent Music Industry” is concerned, what do you think shows the greatest potential for the next few years?

Hopefully labels such as Bigger Than Barry Records, Ondryland, Speech Fewapy Records, and any other small labels that are nurturing local talent and managing to sustain themselves

4. In recent years, there has been a range of initiatives and projects designed to support the development of music in Birmingham. Can you list 5 projects or initiatives that you think have proved beneficial to the “Independent Music Industry?”

Not sure if these count but the work of:

Bigger Than Barry for bringing cutting edge, fashionable acts to the city and taking Birmingham on tour. Also packing out every event they promote.

This is Tommorrow for putting on shows for alternative acts that are touring nationally and billing local artists with them to help nurture audiences

The Rainbow Pub for giving Birmingham a quality small and mid size independent venue and cultural hub.?Capsule for offering a vibrant, left field alternative brand of events and Supersonic.

Moseley Folk Festival for being generally ace and offering local acts a channel to perform on the same bill as mainstream artists, especially Ben Calvert’s Bohemian Jukebox Stage.

Also Oxjam Festival, Cold Rice and Chicks Dig Jerks deserve mentions.

5. Can you list any projects or initiatives that you think have proved “of little use or benefit” to the “Independent Music Industry?”

Gigbeth - poorly curated. For something as ambitious and potentially amazing, it falls flat due to weak line ups. Does not give a good impression of Birmingham to the outside looking in, especially when Camden Crawl, Nottingham’s Dot to Dot, Brighton’s Great Escape and Manchester’s In The City are widely commended.?Give Bigger Than Barry, Chicks Dig Jerks, This is Tomorrow, Moseley Folk, Cold Rice and Capsule a budget to put on the festival - they are all experienced and have kudos.?(I realise that there are more promoters / events companies doing fine work in other genres, but these are the ones I am familiar with)

6. With regard to your answers to questions 4 and 5, do you think Birmingham should continue to pursue the idea of more initiatives and projects designed to support the development of music in Birmingham?

Yes, but re: point 5 give it to people who can make the city desirable, dare I say ‘cool’?

7. If you could make any changes to, or include any new ideas for, any “strategy for supporting the development of music in Birmingham” what would your top priorities be?

Support for small independent record labels in the form of advice from experienced and respected mentors from their respective genres.

8. If you were given the task of evaluating whether a project or initiative had been successful, what would you suggest as the best indicators of success, failure, benefit or disaster for the “Independent Music Industry?”

Whether an event is well attended or not is a signal of success or failure and whether a record label could sustain itself would be a measure.

9. As far as your knowledge or understanding of the region’s “Independent Music Industry” is concerned, what are it’s greatest strengths, and what are it’s greatest weaknesses?

The artists are the greatest strength we have.
Perhaps weaknesses are a lack of direction or focus from these talented individuals due to a lack of support from a local ‘industry’.

10. If you could do anything to “support the development of music in Birmingham” what would you do and why would you choose to do that?

Plug alert: I try to by shouting about the bands and promoters that I love in national press (The Fly) and my local Blue

Whale music blog. So anything involving writing.

Andy Roberts 

The Music Network was contacted in January 2010 by a group drawn from Birmingham City Council and the Arts Council England to begin to determine an overview of the current state, needs and potential of the “Independent Music Industry” in Birmingham.

The Music Network invites people with an interest or active role within Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry to answer 10 questions.

If you wish to get involved read 10 Questions for Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry and send your completed responses by email to: info at birminghammusicnetwork.com - Thank You.

Simon Howes has created an easy to use google survey for these questions here too.

All completed questions will be published here unless you state otherwise. Please be sure to include your full Name and any links to your website or blog so you can be credited in full as the author of the response. Views from all sides are sought so don’t be afraid to speak your mind. We may learn something.

10 Questions for Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry answered by Pam Bishop

1. In your view, what is the current state of the region’s “Independent Music Industry?”

Currently it seems to attract people who use a lot of sound engineering with their music - we don’t hear so much about the natural sounds of singers and musicians.
2. What do you think are it’s immediate needs with reference to the areas that you are most familiar with?

Lack of good venues.  Singers and musicians need good venues to perform, which are easy for their audiences to get to, and comfortable for both performers and audience.  Since the demise of pub rooms, such venues are more and more difficult to find.
3. As far as the region’s “Independent Music Industry” is concerned, what do you think shows the greatest potential for the next few years?

Getting children involved in music and singing - these will be the musicians of the future

4. In recent years, there has been a range of initiatives and projects designed to support the development of music in Birmingham. Can you list 5 projects or initiatives that you think have proved beneficial to the “Independent Music Industry?”

Sound It Out
Gigbeth
Sing Up (CBSO)
5. Can you list any projects or initiatives that you think have proved “of little use or benefit” to the “Independent Music Industry?”

6. With regard to your answers to questions 4 and 5, do you think Birmingham should continue to pursue the idea of more initiatives and projects designed to support the development of music in Birmingham?

Yes please, more Sing Up projects would be great

7. If you could make any changes to, or include any new ideas for, any “strategy for supporting the development of music in Birmingham” what would your top priorities be?

Training for teachers so they are more confident in delivering music and singing in their schools.  Giving them resources so they can bring musicians and singers into schools.

8. If you were given the task of evaluating whether a project or initiative had been successful, what would you suggest as the best indicators of success, failure, benefit or disaster for the “Independent Music Industry?”

Has the project raised skills levels amongst its participants?
Has it increased audience participation?

9. As far as your knowledge or understanding of the region’s “Independent Music Industry” is concerned, what are it’s greatest strengths, and what are it’s greatest weaknesses?

10. If you could do anything to “support the development of music in Birmingham” what would you do and why would you choose to do that?

Continue to run folk music events and training, because our traditional music and song is valuable and relevant to people in the 21st century

Pam Bishop

The Music Network was contacted in January 2010 by a group drawn from Birmingham City Council and the Arts Council England to begin to determine an overview of the current state, needs and potential of the “Independent Music Industry” in Birmingham.

The Music Network invites people with an interest or active role within Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry to answer 10 questions.

If you wish to get involved read 10 Questions for Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry and send your completed responses by email to: info at birminghammusicnetwork.com - Thank You.

Simon Howes has created an easy to use google survey for these questions here too.

All completed questions will be published here unless you state otherwise. Please be sure to include your full Name and any links to your website or blog so you can be credited in full as the author of the response. Views from all sides are sought so don’t be afraid to speak your mind. We may learn something.

10 Questions for Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry answered by Jon Cotton

1. In your view, what is the current state of the region’s “Independent Music Industry?”

The number of people actually making a decent living out of music remains really quite small.  In the recording world there remains a pretty tiny circle of people doing anything on more than a local ‘people having a go’ level.  And those working nationally continue to interface with (and sometimes move to) london as that is where the power brokers remain.   So in that respect we remain a nursery for London; there have been no city or AWM lead infrastructure changes in the last 10 years I’m aware of that make any difference in helping stop this ‘talent leakage’.

We’ve also recently lost our flagship studio DEP - although it could be argued the role of the big expensive studio is becoming limited to specific niches (e.g. orchestral work, something DEP wasn’t really big enough to do).    Meanwhile the market we’re selling to has been shrinking as recorded music becomes relatively less important to Jo public (and kids get used to stealing it) - record shops have dwindled with the loss locally of Jibbering, Tower, Zavvi and most recently Borders.  Swordfish was a depressing place last time I popped in (it seemed to be on its last legs) which leaves just HMV and the few remaining struggling independents as the real contenders on the high street.

So all a bit depressing at first glance. However there are a couple of glimpses of light - the net has made it a lot easier to release and distribute music without the help of bigger labels (of which there remain none represented in the midlands) so independent labels are starting to pop up more frequently in the region - artists are becoming their own labels - although actually cutting through the market noise remains to some extent a question of contacts and financial firepower, most of which powerbroking is done in London.   With the continued rise in home recording this means artists are frequently recording and releasing themselves.  Great if it works (although how many of them even break even is dubious given how crowded the market is) but pretty daunting too.   Without a doubt the shrewd sub-sector to be in currently is support services for these artists - look at how well eMusu and Ditto have done for example.

On the live side: the demise of the Jug of Ale was a shame as, sweaty and loud though it was, it was a great breeding ground for young bands and a good place to see them.  However offsetting that, the reopened Town Hall has been a great success and should be a point of pride.  I think it’s great that the team there are programming so many local artists and are really putting a lot of vigour into their support.  All power to them.

Realistically, prospects for graduates finding employment in the sector remain pretty awful compared to most other industries, but I find the degree of entrepreneurism at the moment encouraging and there is some new recording blood coming through from the colleges with the kind of high standards we need, which is great.  The old model really truly is dead, time to move on.

2. What do you think are it’s immediate needs with reference to the areas that you are most familiar with?

I think continuation and expansion of funding for assisting entrepreneurs is the way to go now, rather than grand schemes which don’t seem to ever get off the ground - best to accept that and work with it, and instead help provide SMEs individually with better tools to do it for themselves.

3. As far as the region’s “Independent Music Industry” is concerned, what do you think shows the greatest potential for the next few years?

1. Entrepreneurism

2. The shaking off of the ancient regime, and no-longer-relevant ways of thinking.  (Rock n roll is dead, Geek n Roll is here..)

3. A new era of independent record labels and whatever replaces record labels, companies facilitating the use of music with other media (shameless plug: at Poseidon we’re playing with a model for that, see www.poseidonmusic.com)

4. New blood in the recording and writing worlds.

5. The internet, and companies that spring up using it i.e. are not tied to doing business in the Midlands.

4. In recent years, there has been a range of initiatives and projects designed to support the development of music in Birmingham. Can you list 5 projects or initiatives that you think have proved beneficial to the “Independent Music Industry?”

1. “Creative Cities’” funding for start-up costs/rent

2. Midem subsidy, SXSW subsidy - Jonathan Webber and UKTI’s help in general (although more people could know about it).

3. John Mostyn’s managing music course.   Someone with experience teaching - and it directly helped some clients of mine who went on to noteable success.

4. Birmingham Music Network - the original Mark Sampson led meetings, not the pointless watered-down car-crash based in Northfield someone dreamt up.  I have great respect for Mark for sticking with it, (although - constructive criticism only - I wish he would keep his own business activities clear of the BMN mailing list, as it waters down its usefulness).  One day I’ll make it to another of the meetings!

5. Gigbeth.  Everyone’s always ripping into Gigbeth, but few realise that Clare Edwards funded a lot of it herself and took quite a hit on it last year.  As for the festival itself, it may have been on a learning curve, but at least it was energy being put in the right direction.  I hope we see a lot more of that energy from Clare, who is a great asset to the city, and she isn’t put off permanently by the last one.

5. Can you list any projects or initiatives that you think have proved “of little use or benefit” to the “Independent Music Industry?”

Well I don’t want to dwell on negatives really but if we learn from them then ok..

1. ‘Mentors’ that have no real experience to speak of.  The blind leading the blind.

2. Digital Central.  I like Anthony who was leading it, and this was well meaning, but he was hampered by having to deal with a PC agenda which made no sense in the real world: DC was a great example of a council project which ticks everyone’s boxes except the actual industry who just went ‘what the heck is that?’ and ignored it as far as I’m aware.  A bit like Millennium Point..

3. AWM capital funding.  As far as I know no-one except the Black Voices ever saw any of the mooted money available in the early noughties, despite so many people putting forward seemingly good ideas.  Likewise the lack of progress in Eastside/Digbeth.  Just terrible..

4. The CD on the cover of Music Week.  I loved the energy behind this idea but in retrospect perhaps the strategy should have been thought through a little more, as a single exposure to an act/song is not enough, it needs to be followed through. There should perhaps have been consultation with some of the current players once the idea was mooted before proceeding, and perhaps we could have worked out a 2 or 3 step strategy which would have had more effect than this one single action. The right *kind* of idea though, definitely - let’s just work together a bit more next time.

5. Mapping exercises!  Personally I think we need to map all the mapping exercises there have been.  www.mappingcentral.com is available!..
6. With regard to your answers to questions 4 and 5, do you think Birmingham should continue to pursue the idea of more initiatives and projects designed to support the development of music in Birmingham?

Yes.

At Poseidon we have found the support from UKTI and the Creative Cities teams to date great, and it would be good to see that continued, possibly expanded and better advertised - perhaps a sub-section billed as support for Music rather than just ‘creative companies’ so people realise it applied to them!   A lot of people I deal with still don’t know such financial and expertise support is out there for them, it would be good if the council could do a mailout to all music-related SMEs advertising some of these schemes.   The recent subsided trips to MIDEM and SXSW are a great move, long may they continue.

In a similar vein I was greatly encouraged to see the council finally supporting niche music festivals last week.  A great move as they are a little Unique Selling Point we can really push for Brum, and we so need to focus on those.   A lot of London people don’t believe me when I’ve mentioned the billing for the Moseley folk festival last year..

7. If you could make any changes to, or include any new ideas for, any “strategy for supporting the development of music in Birmingham” what would your top priorities be?

I think it would be good to stop throwing money at ‘grand’ schemes like Digital Central and Birminghamusic.com which just suck up money but make little real difference on the ground.  Let’s also forget about there being a music agency.  The money is better spent on a healthy pragmatic alternative - to go round SMEs, ask what their biggest obstacles to growth financially are and try and address them head-on.  It’s great that there has been council support for moving into new premises, getting stationery and websites made etc, but there are other bigger obstacles in the way we could address.

Some ideas might be:

1. A contribution towards a publicity budget for acts or labels that can prove a fanbase/degree of interest (to be judged by someone who understands the industry) - for independent artists and labels PR is becoming by far the biggest expense/barrier to exposure.

2. A contribution towards touring costs for live acts - e.g. to fund the purchase of a van, or contribute towards ongoing costs (since touring tends to be lossmaking in the early days).

3. A bulk deal with a really good mastering studio (there still isn’t on in the midlands) to bring up the quality control locally.  The council could use its purchasing power to negotiate a bulk-buy discount for album mastering with a mastering studio or two, and pass that saving onto people.

4. Likewise for CD duplication with someone like Sony. The council wouldn’t even need to subsidise that directly - simply do a massive bulk-buy of packages of 1000/2000/3000 CD runs at a big discount, and pass that discount on to acts in the region.  I realise the ’state-aid’ rules may kick in here, so this would have to be checked, but it’s important to be aggressive and try and push the boundaries - if we can support music businesses here in ways other regions haven’t thought of we’ll give people a natural head-start.

4. A contribution towards video-making costs / hiring personnel - as music’s home is increasingly Youtube now, so videos are increasing in importance to the point of being obligatory.

8. If you were given the task of evaluating whether a project or initiative had been successful, what would you suggest as the best indicators of success, failure, benefit or disaster for the “Independent Music Industry?”

A good question..in an industry where there remains such a big risk element, it’s hard to judge purely from year on year financials, as some of the projects might have been successful purely by increasing the *chance* that a project or artist might succeed, or by increasing public awareness without leading immediately to sales.  So as well as the usual financial analysis, perhaps:

1. Amount of press coverage/radio plays before/after (for acts/labels, if the council were to help subsidise PR for example).

2. Number of CDs sold before/after.

3. Mailing list figures for artists before/after (mailing lists are becoming a good yardstick for a band’s popularity)

4, Youtube hits before/after

Also we should stop asking artists to complete 3/4/5 year cashflow forecasts - it’s meaningless in this industry.

9. As far as your knowledge or understanding of the region’s “Independent Music Industry” is concerned, what are it’s greatest strengths, and what are it’s greatest weaknesses?

Strengths:

1. Entrepreneurism.

2. People from all over the country and the world convene here.

3. As a city we are often smart but unpretentious (that’s what drew me here in the first place)

4. We don’t have such an aggressive/cut-throat culture as London, so tend to work together more (when we know about each other..)

Weaknesses:

1. We still often don’t know about each other..

2. Birmingham as a whole has a history of aiming too low.  E.g. talk from a while back of replicating London Eye in Brum.  Rather than replicate or aim to be ‘as good as’ we need to have the confidence to innovate and lead nationally and globally

3. Previous infighting for the little bit of power available here.  Hopefully new blood and energy, awareness that it stops us all progressing, and the declining relevance of some of the old ways of doing things will sweep this away.

4. There aren’t enough trees and green bits in the centre of Birmingham (ok that’s  seemingly completely irrelevant but it contributes to stopping people wanting to come here, and that includes music collaborators/colleagues). Sort out the greenery!

10. If you could do anything to “support the development of music in Birmingham” what would you do and why would you choose to do that?

1. I’d make the salaries of the key managers at AWM performance-related so that keeping risk low/maintaining the status quo stops being the most attractive alternative

2. If the above had happened, I’d employ someone with real industry experience to work outside of AWM and look at capital projects AND FACILITATE THEM by brokering deals with the various possible stakeholders in the region to make capital projects more likely to succeeed.

3. I’d employ one or two people within the council to directly manage and co-ordinate music-specific initiatives and subsidy.

4. I’d make a little committee of industry people round here who could help advise the council on strategy when it comes to ideas like the Music Week CD.

5. I’d support Birmingham Music Network properly, and give them some funding to better advertise, and I’d ask Mark if he’d be prepared for the BMN after-meeting minutes to become effectively our industry newletter, letting us all learn about each other’s existence (this remains a big stumbling block).   This would also be a great forum for the council, business link, AWM etc to let us all know about funding/subsidies available for supporting SMEs.

6. I’d take a lenient view on licensing applications for live music in and above pubs and bars in the city.  We need to encourage it, and to some extent ignore the NIMBYs (I’m specifically thinking of the Rainbow and the room above the Fighting Cocks in Moseley as examples).

Jon Cotton
http://www.poseidonmusic.com

The Music Network was contacted in January 2010 by a group drawn from Birmingham City Council and the Arts Council England to begin to determine an overview of the current state, needs and potential of the “Independent Music Industry” in Birmingham.

The Music Network invites people with an interest or active role within Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry to answer 10 questions.

If you wish to get involved read 10 Questions for Birmingham’s Independent Music Industry and send your completed responses by email to: info at birminghammusicnetwork.com - Thank You.

Simon Howes has created an easy to use google survey for these questions here too.

All completed questions will be published here unless you state otherwise. Please be sure to include your full Name and any links to your website or blog so you can be credited in full as the author of the response. Views from all sides are sought so don’t be afraid to speak your mind. We may learn something.

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